1
as in to bewilder
to throw into a state of mental uncertainty
the similar-sounding words "censure" and "censor" often confuse people
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to complicate
to make (something) unclear to the understanding
stop confusing the issue with irrelevant facts
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to mistake
to fail to differentiate (a thing) from something similar or related
a lot of people confuse popular fame with enduring achievement
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to embarrass
to throw into a state of self-conscious distress
she was confused by the shocking bluntness of his marriage proposal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to disrupt
to undo the proper order or arrangement of
vandals had hopelessly confused the papers in the office files
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of confuse
Similar concern in Howard County This is the second time in just a matter of weeks that local police have been confused with ICE.
—
Tara Lynch, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026
The dogs were confused, not sure whether to attack or run for cover, and Susan was cracking up.
—Sid Evans, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2026
Dominica Not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, Dominica offers untouched natural beauty with heaps of rain forests, mountains, and waterfalls.
—Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2026
The historian must always beware of confusing filiation with explanation.
—Literary Hub, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for confuse
Tara Lynch, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026
The dogs were confused, not sure whether to attack or run for cover, and Susan was cracking up.
—Sid Evans, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2026
Dominica Not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, Dominica offers untouched natural beauty with heaps of rain forests, mountains, and waterfalls.
—Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2026
The historian must always beware of confusing filiation with explanation.
—Literary Hub, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for confuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confuse
Verb
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McNutt housed some 700 kids — about one-third of the population of French Lick — and Bird found the campus outside the dormitory walls bewildering.—
Keith O'Brien,
Rolling Stone,
22 Feb. 2026
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Even a principled, well-meaning actor like Claude could face bewildering ethical conflicts.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In any event, comparisons between hospitals’ nursing contracts are complicated because facilities may have different units and other specifics.—
Philip Marcelo,
Fortune,
20 Feb. 2026
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The situation has been complicated by the refusal of congressional Democrats to vote for a new budget for Noem’s department, which has caused a partial government shutdown that is expected to last at least into next week.—
Michael Scherer,
The Atlantic,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Norwegian coaches don’t tend to mistake early bloomers for talented athletes.—
Don Riddell,
CNN Money,
22 Feb. 2026
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Burke recognized that those who are economically secure often mistake their experience for a universal one and conclude, incorrectly, that no other social or political problems deserve sustained attention.—
Kenneth Zagacki,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The team embarrassed Canada, 5-0, in the preliminary round, and swept the North American neighbor in four straight Olympic tune-ups.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
20 Feb. 2026
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Their team might need the firmer assessment that challenges pride and even embarrasses, then the next year's group might need a lighter touch.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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While fears over how artificial intelligence models from Anthropic and OpenAI could disrupt a myriad of industries — especially software firms — have churned markets in recent weeks, the broader S&P 500 isn’t far off from its all-time record level.—
Hugh Son,
CNBC,
24 Feb. 2026
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Authorities and witnesses reported burning vehicles, road blockades and attacks meant to disrupt security forces and restrict movement.—
Dante Motley,
Austin American Statesman,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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That none of this has ever been clear to Gisèle is perplexing even to her.—
Sophie Gilbert,
The Atlantic,
20 Feb. 2026
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While initially perplexing to the Messers and other anglers, some now believe this was part of Phillips’ long con.—
Dac Collins,
Outdoor Life,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Footage released by the LVMPD shows the woman, whose face was blurred in the video, approaching the ticket counter with her dog before walking away and leaving the dog's leash tied to the counter.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
20 Feb. 2026
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The illuminating skin tint instantly blurs and brightens my complexion and leaves behind a soft-focus glow—almost as if my skin were an IRL filter.—
Alyssa Morin,
InStyle,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Nothing flusters her except dogs barking, and as the story unfolds the reason is easily surmised.—
Mary Damiano,
Miami Herald,
16 Feb. 2026
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Why does Self sound flustered with the situation after games, then flustered with the people talking about the situation in between games?—
Joe Rexrode,
New York Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Confuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confuse. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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